Anne Mosk writes, "How do you know if you are getting any liquor in your margaritas?

"For many months, I have gone to a Mexican restaurant near Memorial City and, at one time, the margaritas were so strong that you could only drink two. Now, after three, there is nothing, and there is no taste of any liquor. A friend (who had never been there before) tasted one, and she immediately told them there was not liquor in her margarita.

"I have told the waiters, and they just laugh. Is it not against the law to leave out the liquor? Is it feasible to ask for your shot of tequilla on the side and put it in yourself?"

Readers, do you have any ideas? Also, please share your recommendations for places that serve strong margaritas.

Reader raves

Skip Britton writes, "Recently, our family of nine, including a 2½-year-old and an 8-year-old, had a Friday night dinner at Carrabba's on Kirby. The kind, special, appropriate, attention given immediately to the children was outstanding. After settling them in, we also had similar wonderful service, good food and wine. The staff was exceptional. We'll return again soon."

Carrabba's: 3115 Kirby, 713-522-3131

Roger Trandell writes, "(The other evening) about 6 p.m., I walked into La Madeleine-River Oaks to buy a loaf of their delicious multigrain bread. (The restaurant was) out, but manager Pedro Salgado said, 'I'll bake you a loaf, but it will take about half an hour.'

This reader's forum is a chance to become a restaurant critic or ask other dining-wise readers for suggestions. Letters may be emailed to syd.kearney@chron.com or mailed to Syd Kearney, P.O. Box 4260, Houston, TX 77210. Please print your full name and a daytime phone number.